Transfer Rumour: Arsenal Targeting Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial had a torrid game against Brighton, putting his Manchester United future in doubt. In light of that, the Frenchman has been encouraged to join Arsenal.

The French striker has been linked with the Gunners – as well as Chelsea and Juventus – after seeing his playing time reduced by the arrival of Alexis Sanchez at Old Trafford.

Martial played in the Chilean’s absence on the South Coast on Friday night but was part of a dismal team performance that saw manager Jose Mourinho question his impact.

But Arsenal great Robert Pires would welcome his countryman at his former club if he does move on from United in the summer following reports he is unhappy with his situation.

Anthony Martial

Pires, who shone in Martial’s favoured left-wing position for Arsenal between 2000 and 2006, said: “I’m a big fan of Anthony Martial. He’s very fast, he has excellent dribbling skills and he has the potential to score a lot of goals, but I think he has to play more football.

“I don’t know why he isn’t playing more for Manchester United and Jose Mourinho needs to show more confidence in him. I would welcome him at Arsenal.”

The United manager has recently fielded questions over the amount of playing time he has handed Martial and Marcus Rashford, but the pair failed to take their chance to shine at Brighton.

“And when I say you, I say media in a general way, because for many months you are always asking me why this player doesn’t play, why that player doesn’t play, why this player is on the bench, why always Lukaku, why always this guy?

“So I think you should be disappointed more than me because probably I know my players better than you and probably you don’t know them so well to be always with these questions.”